by David Jackson, USA TODAY

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

President Obama and other lawmakers will celebrate St. Patrick's Day early this year, welcoming Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny to Washington on Friday.

The actual St. Patrick's Day is Monday, but Kenny is making his annual visit to the United States this week.

After breakfast Friday at Vice President Biden's residence, Kenny travels to the White House to meet with Obama.

Obama, Kenny, and Biden will then head to the U.S. Capitol for the annual St. Patrick's Day luncheon.

On Friday evening, the president and first lady Michelle Obama will host their annual St. Patrick's Day reception at the White House.

"The United States and Ireland share a strong bilateral relationship; deep cultural, historic, and people-to-people bonds; and a shared commitment to advancing peace, security, and prosperity in the world," the White House said in a statement.

Obama often visits a local Irish pub to celebrate St. Patrick's Day; perhaps that is on the schedule for Monday.